My hope is that people will be repulsed by the character's complete lack of ethics and obsession with consumerism - that's what I was saying about the difference between the character's message and the film's message.

The quote "My hope is that people will be repulsed by the character's complete lack of ethics and obsession with consumerism - that's what I was saying about the difference between the character's message and the film's message" by Christian Bale reflects his intention behind playing a morally ambiguous character. Bale, known for his role in the film American Psycho, is commenting on how his portrayal of the character, Patrick Bateman, is designed to highlight the dangers of unchecked consumerism and the lack of ethics in modern society. He hopes that the audience sees the character's behavior as repulsive and understands that the film is not endorsing his actions but rather criticizing them.

Bale emphasizes the contrast between the character's actions and the film’s deeper message. While Bateman represents a critique of the excesses and moral decay associated with rampant consumerism, the film itself aims to offer a social commentary on the dangers of these behaviors. The character’s message is one of superficiality, greed, and lack of moral compass, while the film's message is a warning against these very values, suggesting that such a mindset leads to emptiness and self-destruction.

The idea of repulsion is central to Bale's hope that audiences understand the ethical contrast. He wants viewers to be disturbed by the character's actions, as this dissonance between the character's behavior and the film's intent encourages reflection on broader societal issues. By making the audience uncomfortable, the film encourages critical thinking about the role of consumerism and its impact on personal identity and moral values.

Ultimately, Bale’s quote underscores the distinction between the character and the overarching theme of the film. He hopes the audience recognizes that while the character embodies the worst aspects of modern society, the film itself serves as a critique of those very traits. The quote highlights the importance of the film's message being understood in contrast to the character's actions.